Flights while in first trimester...

[Harri87]

Hi guys,

So I've recently found out I'm pregnant (around 4/5 weeks I think) and am feeling awful. I've hardly left the house all week, have finally managed to go into town today and felt really faint and sick on the bus.

I have a holiday book in for mid February and the flights are 10 hours each way. I'm really not the best flyer at the best of times, so it's already quite stressful!

Does anyone have any tips on how to get through this?

Thank you!

Hello! I went ok holiday when I was roughly 8 weeks pregnant so similar to what you will be, although my flights were only 4.5 hours so not as bad. I was also feeling really rough in general but to be honest I didn’t find the flights too bad- you can sit quietly and not have to talk to anybody which helps, and there is a sick bag in front of you if needed (I didn’t need this). what I did do is pack some paracetamol and a mini fan incase I needed it, and made sure I had plenty of water and some snacks with me that wouldn’t set my stomach off. It wasn’t exactly a fun flight but when you don’t feel well you don’t rewlly went no to be jumping around anyway, so sitting still wasn’t that bad of an option. Just bring things to keep you busy and download a game on your phone or something in preparation. I would tell the staff on board that you are early pregnant and not feeling too well so they are aware though and then they can check up on you during the flight :)

You can buy cooling towels that are really small but get really cold in just normal cold water - really useful for any flushes. Second the use of paracetamol. Also see if you can find any OTC anti-nausea/travel tablets. Eat little and often, move around as mich as you can and inform your allocated cabin crew. Be mindful of how you are feeing.. eg feeling overly nauseous or dizzy, they may be able to help you find a quieter place to recover. Take comfy headphones and immerse yourself into the films! Good luck

I flew to Ibiza at 4 weeks so obviously only a short flight and it was fine as I felt well.

I then flew to Miami, so long haul at 6 weeks and on the outbound flight I was fine. Whilst there the morning sickness kicked in and I could hardly leave the hotel room. The flight back at 7.5 weeks wasn’t pleasant but had to be done.

Is it something you can put off? There really is nothing worse than feeling rotten on a plane for hours. I wouldn’t do it again in early pregnancy. I don’t have any tips other than plenty of fluids. I literally just had to grin & bear it.

Flew to Dubai at 28 weeks and that was absolutely fine as I was feeling well by that point.

Hey, sorry to hear you're feeling so lousy, I can definitely relate. I'm 14 weeks now but had horrendous nausea and sickness from about 5 weeks through to 12 weeks.
I had to travel with work to LA at 8 wks, while keeping it a secret and feeling AWFUL. My tips would be, plenty of snacks (salt & vingear bits seemed to help me), Ginger Beer (Pret do a nice one), Biscuits/Crackers to nibble on - lots of little bits that can keep you fed and hydrated. Take a big bottle of water with you and ask the cabin crew to refill when needed.
My colleague used the wrist sickness bands to help her while flying (she was also pregnant at the same time).
Little and often with food - plane food might not be the best idea so stock up beforehand.
Pack your own soft eye mask, comfy pillow and blanket - download some chill out tunes or your favourite film to watch so you can get as comfortable and cosy as possible.

Hope that helps and good luck xx

I flew long haul (7-8 hours) at 9 weeks and was fine, a bit queasy and tired. I was advised by the midwife to get compression socks, which I put on right before each flight (in front of the whole airport I'm afraid!). They sell them in Boots, tights or socks, and I went with the socks, seemed a bit more comfortable and warmer for the winter.